Being on vacation on a cruise with a bunch of people you’ll never see again in your life is the perfect breeding ground for bad manners.
But since you’re here, we know you’re not that kind of person. You’re interested in following cruise ship etiquette and being a respectful passenger.
Let’s check out the most annoying habits ever so you know what NOT to do!
1. Showing Up Late
Did you know that proper etiquette starts before you even board the cruise?
Arriving late to the embarkation is considered bad etiquette. It can throw off the schedule and cause more fuss than necessary.
And the principle holds for all gatherings—excursions, spa appointments, shows, etc.
2. Acting Like You Own the Elevator
For whatever reason, some guests forget basic elevator etiquette on cruises.
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve had to wait for the elevator. You still need to let the people inside walk out before you try to get in. Pushing in won’t help.
Side Note: If you have kids, tell them it’s wrong to push all the buttons.
3. Bad Manners in the MDR
What’s BM at the MDR? Well, that would be bad manners in the main dining room.
That covers a whole lot of icky behaviors, but the worst are:
- Grabbing food in the buffet with your hands
- Eating while you’re still in the buffet line
- Bringing your plate for seconds (You might think you’re doing good by reducing dirty dishes, but it’s not hygienic. It’s better to get new plates/cups.)
4. Forgetting to Pack Some Situational awareness
Cruise ships are large, but not THAT large.
If you and your family gather in front of the theatre door, you’re 100% going to annoy other guests. You can’t stand in the stairwell and discuss where you’ll go next.
Plus, hallways tend to be narrow on most ships. So, the polite thing is to walk in a line if you see people coming in from the other direction.
And since we’re talking about hallways, please don’t leave your service trays outside. It smells bad and blocks the way. Just call room service and ask them to pick up the dirty dishes.
5. Chair Hogging
Chair hogging, sometimes referred to as “chair saving,” is one of the most common complaints among cruise passengers, especially around popular areas like the pool deck or in lounges.
This occurs when a passenger claims a sun lounger or prime seating by leaving personal belongings—like towels, books, or shoes—on the chairs early in the morning, then disappears for hours.
Most cruise lines have policies against chair hogging, often stating that items left unattended for longer than 30-40 minutes can be removed by staff.
Read More: When is it too early to reserve a deck chair?
6. Not Packing Headphones
Cruise ships have communal areas like pools, lounges, and cafes where passengers can relax or socialize.
Unfortunately, some passengers disrupt these spaces by playing music and videos or even making loud phone calls without using headphones. This is especially irritating in quieter zones or when announcements need to be heard.
It’s unfair to force other passengers to listen to your music (or FaceTime calls). Use headphones in shared areas and avoid personal Bluetooth speakers at all costs.
7. Speaking Over Announcements
If you’re going to blast music or have loud conversations with your friends, at least reduce the noise when there’s an announcement. People need to hear what the captain and crew members have to say. Your music? Not so much.
8. Puffing Your Smoke Everywhere
Most cruise ships have designated smoking areas. But you still need to be mindful of where your smoke ends up. So, it’s not okay to drag outdoors and blow the smoke inside.
Remember that smoking on your balcony can also annoy (and potentially harm) your neighbors.
9. Taking a Vacation From Parenting
We know parenting is hard work, but you can’t just let your kids run wild.
This isn’t an anti-kid sentiment at all. On the contrary, taking a cruise as a family is perfectly fine.
However, it would help if you watched where your kids were going, what they were doing, and how loud they were throughout the day.
10. Slamming Doors
Yes, you should always make sure your cabin door is closed properly. That’s not an excuse for slamming doors, though.
You’d be surprised how much the bang rings through the walls and hallways!
11. Being Unsanitary at the Buffet Line
Using your hands to grab food at the buffet is a major no-no. Tongs and serving utensils are there for a reason—to keep things hygienic.
Don’t risk spreading germs by bypassing them; always use hand sanitizer before entering the dining area. It’s a small step that keeps everyone healthier and the norovirus off cruise ships.
Final Thoughts
Did you know cruise ships have jail cells?
So, unruly passengers could get locked up. However, we guess you’d have to do way worse than slamming a door or hogging a chair to end up in cruise-ship jail.
Read More: Seasickness on a Cruise: 7 Tips to Avoid It
